UNDP in Philippines

UN Country Team Statement

28 Mar 2014

THE PEACEMAKERS President Aquino and Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (center) applaud as peace panel chairs Miriam Coronel-Ferrer of the Philippine government and Mohagher Iqbal of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front exchange copies of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro that they signed on Thursday in Malacañang. Also witnessing the event are Malaysian facilitator Ab Ghafar Mohamed, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles (right), and MILF chair Murad Ebrahim (left). Credit: LYN RILLON

Signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro

The United Nations Country Team welcomes the momentous signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), the final peace agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

This remarkable achievement is not only a testimony, but a realization, of a deep and sincere commitment and shared vision of both parties to a lasting peace and development in Mindanao. It presents an opportunity to promote the rule of law, address human rights concerns, including structural discrimination and creates an enabling environment for the de jure and de facto empowerment of the Bangsamoro women and attainment of the most appropriate durable solution to the plight of the IDPs still experiencing displacement, and addressing deprivations experienced by women, children and other vulnerable groups.

The United Nations commends the Government of the Philippines for providing a global model for best practice on supporting a peace process, making sure voices of the vulnerable groups are heard. The United Nations particularly commends the positive approach of the Administration and the leadership of His Excellency President Benigno Aquino III in ensuring competence and confidence throughout the process, supporting efforts to provide the best possible technical assistance to both parties.

The United Nations recognizes that the Mindanao situation presents an opportunity to establish new modes of cooperation among international and national partners in supporting the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to the new Bangsamoro government. The United Nations acknowledges the contributions of all national and international partners and peace advocates, particularly the Government of Malaysia, which has been instrumental in the success of the peace negotiations.

The United Nations stands ready to support the implementation of the peace agreement through robust engagement in the formulation and implementation of the Bangsamoro Development Plan and in supporting the formation of the new Bangsamoro institution.